unenviable record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unenviable record" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or achievement that is not desirable or is considered negative, often in a context of statistics or performance. Example: "The team has an unenviable record of losses this season, making it difficult to maintain morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"The unenviable record," Holden says, with a smile that feels, for the first time, a little forced.

The New York Times

When the Nets play the Bucks in Milwaukee on Nov. 17, they will tie an unenviable record if they lose.

The New York Times - Sports

And based on the start of this season, Garner is not about to end his unenviable record.

The New York Times - Sports

The sprint football team holds an unenviable record — it last won a league game in 1999, when Harold Shapiro *64 was Princeton's president.

Princeton University

In the 1966 World Series, which the Dodgers lost in four games to the Baltimore Orioles, Davis set the unenviable record of committing three errors in one inning.

The New York Times

At the end of 2008, Zimbabwe had set an unenviable record as the second most-extreme example of hyperinflation in world history (after Hungary in 1946).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

A few unenviable records that Moyes has broken, for you to chew on.

The Guardian - Sport

In the 1980s, Strabane had unenviable records as the most bombed town in Europe proportionate to its population and having the worst unemployment rate in the UK.

The Guardian

Small wonder they remain stuck to the bottom of the table, continuing to break all sorts of unenviable records while accumulating debts.

The Guardian - Sport

There I catalog his unenviable track record of killing theology and silencing 105 theologians.

Huffington Post

No other city in the world is as exposed to disasters as Port Vila – an unenviable distinction recently recorded by the Natural Hazards Risk Atlas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "unenviable record" in situations where a record might be perceived as neutral or even positive. The phrase should be reserved for truly negative or unfortunate achievements.

Common error

Don't use "unenviable record" for minor inconveniences or slight underperformances. Reserve it for situations with significant negative consequences or substantial failures.

Linguistic Context

"Unenviable record" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unenviable" modifies the noun "record". It describes a specific achievement or statistic that is undesirable or unfortunate. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the expression is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unenviable record" is used to describe an undesirable or unfortunate achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, especially in news and media. The phrase is versatile and can be used in neutral to formal settings, always conveying a negative evaluation. When using "unenviable record", it's crucial to ensure the context clearly justifies the undesirable nature of the record. Alternatives like "undesirable achievement" or "unfortunate statistic" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undesirable achievement

Replaces "record" with a more general term, focusing on the negative nature of the accomplishment.

unfortunate statistic

Emphasizes the statistical aspect of the record and its negative connotation.

dubious distinction

Highlights the questionable nature of the achievement.

lamentable milestone

Focuses on the regrettable aspect of reaching a particular point or event.

unpleasant accomplishment

Simple substitution, emphasizing the negative feeling associated with the achievement.

regrettable feat

Highlights the feeling of regret associated with the particular accomplishment or event.

poor showing

Focuses on the inadequacy or deficiency of the performance.

unsatisfactory performance

Highlights the lack of satisfaction derived from the outcome or achievement.

disappointing result

Emphasizes the letdown or frustration caused by the outcome.

unwelcome legacy

Focuses on the negative impact or consequences that the record leaves behind.

FAQs

What does "unenviable record" mean?

The phrase "unenviable record" refers to an achievement or statistic that is undesirable or unfortunate, often due to negative consequences or implications.

How can I use "unenviable record" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a team's losing streak, as in, "The team has an "unenviable record" of losses this season."

What are some alternatives to "unenviable record"?

You can use alternatives like "undesirable achievement", "unfortunate statistic", or "dubious distinction" depending on the context.

Is "unenviable record" formal or informal?

"Unenviable record" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in news articles and reports.